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The Paradigm Shift Toward Mediocrity in Facial Plastic Surgery

E. Gaylon McCollough, MD

Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007;9(4):293-294.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

In recent years, the field of facial plastic surgery has experienced an ever-increasing shift toward more nonsurgical techniques, products, and devices, many of which yield results that are short-lived or less than optimal. Although some surgeons might debate the point, the bulk of many nonsurgical procedures could just as aptly be performed by nonsurgeons. The incorporation of nonsurgical, minimally invasive, and (oftentimes) minimally effective techniques into the plastic surgeon's armamentarium seems to be a response to a number of factors:

• A public convinced by the media that it is possible to obtain long-term, high-quality results with minimal procedures;
  
• The desire of surgeons to remain on the "cutting edge of technology";
  
• The surgeon's perceived need to compete with nonsurgeons for the aesthetic patient;
  
• The increasing role of the media in reporting and advocating such procedures.
  

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